Knowledge to make your life better. If you have some free time, check out some of these links this weekend.
“Having a gun and being armed are two different things.“
Watch this video of two police officers being assassinated. It’s from Venezuela. In that country, gun control makes it impossible for the average citizen to legally own a gun. Criminals there specifically target cops to steal their pistols.
This is the big problem I have with open carry. No one can stay 100% aware of his surroundings at all times. You open carriers don’t think this could happen to you? Wake up. You too could be distracted in a public place ( like this officer paying for his meal in a restaurant) and have a criminal walk up behind you and take the shot.
I have to carry openly as a cop. I would prefer not to, but that isn’t an option. I won’t further enhance my risks for a crime like this by doing it in my off duty hours as well. Be smart. Keep your force options hidden until you need them
5 Things That Should Be Taught in Every School
Some ideas to improve our current educational system. It isn’t likely to happen anytime soon, so you parents should make sure you understand these ideas yourselves and then impart them to your children.
Ballistic Masturbation and Upgrading, The Fast Track to Failure
A concept that many of my readers would do well to embrace.
Do You Train a Blade System?
Taking a critical look at whether or not your knife training is truly effective.
Ground Fighting: Your Goal is to Get Up Fast
While ground fighting skills are critical to acquire, I agree with the author. Even if you are skilled in that arena, your primary goal in most fights should be to get to your feet as soon as it is safe to do so.
How to hide cash & other valuables in your home [checklist inside]
You should all have a stash of cash money in your homes in order to prepare for a crisis. Here are some ideas about where to hide it.
10 Behaviors of Genuine People
There are a lot of uncontrolled egos and false claims in the training industry. Does your instructor display these important qualities? Thanks to Craig Douglas from Shivworks for finding this gem.
In Defense of Fish Antibiotics
One of the many legal ways you can build up a stash of antibiotic medicines in the event of a serious emergency.
The Biggest Pre-Attack Indicator Of Them All
Some often overlooked information in this article:
“If you’re looking to keep from getting a busted jaw or shot in the face, you might want to shift your attention from the minority to the overwhelming majority of why assaults happen. Because what I am about to tell you is the fastest way to turn a situation, much less an argument, into physical violence.
Here is the #1 pre-attack indicator: YOU’RE BEING AN ASSHOLE!”
Rory is right on with his advice. If you want to learn more from him, check out his book ConCom.
The Complete Guide to Using Super Glue for Cuts
One of the more common questions I get in my medical class is about closing wounds using super glue. Here is a lot of information on the topic. And speaking about austere medicine, you may also want to read this article about the best way to sterilize medical instruments in the field.
Cops are Not Ninjas
Police use-of-force attorney Missy O’Linn talks about some of the unrealistic expectations put on today’s police officers. Another good article about police tactics is The Folly of Police ‘De-Escalation’:
“Yes, a cop who acts as though everyone he meets will try to hurt him is a fool, but a cop who forgets that some people will indeed try is a fool who will probably end up dead.”
Terminal Testing Rubber Buckshot
Ever wonder how “less lethal” rubber buckshot performs in ballistic gelatin? Here is a test. Three of the eight pellets penetrated a cardboard target that was covered in a T-shirt and entered the gelatin block. Average penetration was less than an inch. This round would certainly hurt, but isn’t likely to stop a determined attacker with a diminished pain response caused by drugs, alcohol, or mental illness.
Self-Defense: Where’s This Guy’s Error?
Would you be prepared for this type of encounter?
The Shooting Drill You’re Probably Not Doing Enough…Or Correct.
John Mosby discusses one of the simplest (and most important) rifle training drills you should be doing regularly.
What kind of mass murderer is likely to die in the act, and why should we care?
Some interesting research looking at mass killings as a form of suicide.
Graphic: Venezuela’s Eroding Hospitals & What is Coming to America
Take a look at what is happening in some of Venezuela’s hospitals. How would you like that to be your only health care option? If you want to avoid a situation like this, a good start can be found in my System Collapse medical class. The next one I’m teaching is in November at Blackwing Shooting Center.
Congressional Research Service Releases Study of Mass Shootings
The Congressional Research Service released a new study this week on active killers and mass shootings. The highlights are in the linked article. The full study is HERE. The researchers used data provided by Grant Duwe, the author of Mass Murder in the United States. If you are truly interested in the subject matter, that book should be on your reading list.
HuffPo Welcomes the Shrug of Law Enforcement While People Die
An intelligent response to the idea that “police departments should operate more like fire departments.”
The Tactical Professor’s Pistol Practice Program
My friend Claude Werner (former lead instructor at the Rogers Shooting School) has come out with a program to take your shooting skills to the next level. His product provides a set of 24 live fire shooting drills, 12 shooting scenarios, and audio guided dryfire practice to help improve your skill level. I haven’t seen the program yet (and have no financial interest in it), but everything that Claude produces is worth your attention. Check it out.
* Some of the above links (from Amazon.com) are affiliate links. If you purchase these items, I get a small percentage of the selling price.
